It is expected that Roethlisberger’s suspension will be reduced to 4 games but that has not been confirmed by the NFL league office.

The Jets troubled receiver (a former Steelers troubled receiver) is at it again and this time on an airplane.  According to reports, the New York Jets new receiver and former Super Bowl MVP, Santonio Holmes had to be escorted off a a plane because he refused to turn off his iPod.

Two Pittsburgh TV stations had reported that Holmes was escorted from the plane, but not arrested, for being a “disruptive passenger,” after refusing to turn off his iPod as the plane began its descent into Pittsburgh.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/2010/04/30/2010-04-30_distruptive_holmes_booted_off_flight.html#ixzz0mgD9JkIu

“The Commissioner’s decision to suspend me speaks clearly that more is expected of me. I am accountable for the consequences of my actions. Though I have committed no crime, I regret that I have fallen short of the values instilled in me by my family. I will not appeal the suspension and will comply with what is asked of me — and more.

“Missing games will be devastating for me. I am sorry to let down my teammates and the entire Steelers fan base. I am disappointed that I have reached this point and will not put myself in this situation again. 

“I appreciate the opportunities that I have been given in my life and will make the necessary improvements.”

The Pittsburgh Steelers decided to not resign Willie Parker and letting him test the free agency market. Parker has struggled with injuries the past 3 seasons including a broken leg and turf toe injuries.

During the 2009-2010 season, Parker lost his starting RB position to up-and-comer Rashard Mendenhall, the Steelers 1st round pick from Illinois.

It still remains to be seen whether Roethlisberger will be charged in Georgia, where perhaps appropriately he wore a shirt bearing the image of a horned devil (via TMZ). Regardless, the question of whether Roethlisberger is a good guy or a bad guy churns through the national consciousness, and the signs are pointing toward an eventual verdict of “turd.”

So, explain to me what Roethlisberger’s wardrobe has to do with this incident? Who cares! I bet I could go through the editor of this articles wardrobe and rip their taste in clothes on the internet but again, who cares!

Consider this quote from Ashley Madden, a Georgia College & State University student who witnessed Roethlisberger act like a jerk when someone tried to take his picture on the night that the lights allegedly went out in Milledgeville. “[H]e snapped at her,” Madden told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “saying, ‘Don’t take a picture unless I’m ready.”

First of all, most people don’t like to have their picture taken (especially celebrities, pro athletes, etc) without being “ready”. Why? Because they know it’ll be plastered on the internet for millions to see and ridicule. Secondly, the “snapped” comment is purely speculation at this point. It should also be noted that TMZ has posted several pictures online of Roethlisberger taking pictures with before the incident occured. Again, I guess the editor failed to do their due diligence of research before making these comments.

We’re heard chatter of Roethlisberger directing that same attitude toward persons in various contexts, and people of goodwill and pure heart simply don’t treat others that way.

Isn’t it funny that the PFT editor adds this comment but fails to include the following TMZ report which is a complete discrepancy of the previous two comments.

According to people at the Velvet Elvis, Ben was very friendly inside his establishment — even taking pictures with fans. We’re also told Ben was “not inappropriate at all”

Planet Steelers can actually develop evidence from several legit sources (NOT NAMED PFT), which would indicate that Roethlisberger has a bit more “heart” than what the PFT editor is giving him credit for. Just a few to note:

• Roethlisberger is a huge dog fan and has been very supportive in giving grants in the support of K-9 service units. In 2006, the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation distributed its first grant to help the Police Department in Roethlisberger’s hometown of Findlay, Ohio replace their service dog, Flip, who was tragically shot and killed.The grant also purchased a K-9 ballistic vest for the Findlay Ohio Police Department, and in 2007 the foundation will disperse additional grants to support or purchase service dogs and vests that assist police and fire departments in cities where Roethlisberger’s team will play throughout the season.
• Roethlisberger is known to be very good about signing autographs and taking pictures with fans. More specifically, he always signs autographs for children and physically disabled fans and/or children.
• Roethlisberger has been known to be a leader on and off the field according to his teammates

• Roethlisberger is highly involved in the Pittsburgh community and participates in various charities and charity funding events such as basketball games, golf tournaments, etc

• Roethlisberger and the Steelers are involved with the “Make a Wish Foundation”. The below link shows Roethlisberger’s day with Akeem Havens, a paralyzed teenager who’s dream became a reality when he met his favorite player, Ben Roethlisberger. Click here for the video.

And finally, the biggest shocker of them all, the editor from PFT says..

If he ever loses the people in Pittsburgh who have come to blindly adore him, it might be time to call it quits and settle down in a small town in a state other than Georgia.

So what is the editor trying to say here? Is the editor hinting that the Pittsburgh Steelers fan base is uneducated? This comment in particular is very unprofessional, invalid and just simply wrong. I, like most Steelers fans want justice. If Roethlisberger is innocent then this should be put behind him by both the fans and the media. If he is guilty, then Roethlisberger will have to face the consequences like anyone else.

As far as PFT, let the editor hate Roethlisberger, the Steelers organization and fan base. They have proven to be the paparazzi of NFL sites when inaccurate and misdirected articles such as the ones I referenced in this article.

Ben Roethlisberger (TMZ)

“TMZ has learned Roethlisberger spent some time at the Velvet Elvis in Georgia last night — before heading over to the Capital City Club … where the Steelers QB allegedly sexually assaulted a young woman in the bathroom.

According to people at the Velvet Elvis, Ben was very friendly inside his establishment — even taking pictures with fans. We’re also told Ben was “not inappropriate at all” — though we’re told Ben did have one beer while inside.”

According to law enforcement officials, the alleged victim was interviewed by police authorities and was already released from the hospital.

This incident is in addition to Roethlisberger already be being sued by a Reno woman, Andrea McNulty, who claims the QB sexually assaulted her in 2008.

Various news outlets are reporting that the alleged victim indicated she was assaulted by a 6-5 241 pound male with brown hair and brown eyes which obviously fits Ben Roethlisberger’s profile. It should be noted that is one specific description. In fact, the alleged victim must either be a huge fan of Roethlisberger or read the exact height and weight (24–1 pounds) directly from a stat sheet. However, it should be noted that the alleged victim has not mentioned any names specifically.

According to sources at TMZ, “Ben Roethlisberger has already been interviewed by police. We’re also told no formal charges have been filed at this point.”